Historical Note:

Margaret (Reid) May was born in Hamilton, Ontario on September 24, 1935. Her father worked for CNR and she had two sisters. In 1953 the Reid family moved to Edmonton for her father’s work. Margaret attended the University of Alberta from 1954 – 1956 (teacher training) and, after a year of teaching in Edmonton, went to teach at the Norway House Day/Residential School after consulting with Rev. Dr. Douglas Smith (of Robertson United Church, where she attended). She taught at Norway House from 1957 – 1959, and then taught in London, Ont. Her positive experiences at Norway House allowed her to share her story of life in Northern Manitoba both in and out of the classroom in later life.

Margaret worked with the United Church of Canada for many years as a Christian Education Director (in Montreal), as Executive Director of Robertson-Wesley United Church in Edmonton. Marg served for 20 years as Secretary of Edmonton Presbytery, and on several Presbytery committees and at her local Church (and was honoured by appointment as Secretary Emeritus of Edmonton Presbytery). Marg is a graduate of the Volunteer Management Program at Grant MacEwan College, Edmonton.

Margaret has also had a long involvement with Canadian Scouting, serving as a volunteer for over 35 years, working as the Public Relations Director and later as a senior trainer with both the N.W.T. Council and Northern Alberta Council. Margaret’s service to scouting has been acknowledged with many awards, including awarded the United Church Scouting Award. In 2005 Margaret was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal in recognition of her volunteer efforts.

Margaret is married to Denny May and they reside in Edmonton, Alberta.

Scope and Content:

The surviving records are from Margaret (Reid) May’s two years spent teaching in Norway House. These records include correspondence sent home to her family (1957 – 1958), a daily journal (1957 – 1959), several newspaper articles (1958 – 1960, 1969) and 239 slides (1958 – 1960, 1969). A written memoir, A Northern Adventure, written by Margaret (Reid) May in 2007, of her time in Norway House is also included.

Finding Aids:

List and description of slides is available. The slides have been digitized.

The fonds includes the following series:

Slides, 1958 – 1960, 1969

Journal and Correspondence, 1957 – 1959

Newspaper Articles and Calendars, 1958 – 1960, 1969

Custodial History:

Relevant items in this fonds related to Indian Residential Schools are included in The United Church of Canada Archives Manitoba Northwestern Ontario Conference and All Native Circle Conference 2014 Index of IRS Related Records and were digitized for submission to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Contact the Archivist for more information.

Language: All of the material is in English.

Restriction on Access: No restrictions on access.

Accruals: No further accruals are expected.

United Church of Canada ArchivesManitoba Northwestern Ontario & All Native Circle Conferences